Signaling system and control therefor



Oct. 6, 1942.

S. F. ARBUCKLE ETAL SIGNALING SYSTEM AND CONTROL THEREFOR Filed March 26, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet l ATTORN EY5 0d 6, 1942- s. F. 'ARBucKLE ETA. 2,298,100

SIGNALING SYS-TEM AND CONTROL THEREFOR Filed March 26, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 G05/ H. Cou/fer Char/@s E. @0d/ey Mmmm; S

` Oct 6, 1942- s. F. ARBUCKLE ETAL 2,298,100

SIGNALING SYSTEM AND CONTROL THEREFOR Filed March 2G, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Oct. 6, 1942. s. F. ARBUCKLE Erm. 2,298,100

' SIGNALING SYSTM AND CONTROL THEREFOR Filed March 26, 1937 4 Sheets-Sheet 4f Y B5 wma;

Patented Oct. 6, 1942 SIGNALING SYSTEM AND CONTROL THEREFOB Samuel F. Arbuckle, Guy H. Coulter, and Charles E. Godley, Highland Park, Mich., asslgnors to United Lens Corporation. Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Application March 26, 1937, Serial No. 133,258

6 Claims.

This invention relates to signaling systems for automotive vehicles and more particularly to means for controlling the operation of the indicating means used in said systems whereby the indicating means serve the dual purpose of producing warning signals and also K directional signals. Y

'I'he invention comprehends a circuit controlling means incorporated in the electrical system of an automobile using electro-responsive means for producing warning signals whereby the electro-responsive means are operated by the circuits controlling means to produce direction signais. and concurrently rendering thefunctioning of said electro-responsive means ineffective to produce warningisignals.

The invention also embraces the provision of switching means for controlling the operation of the lamp circuits used as stop and tail-light signals whereby the same are rendered ineffective for a predetermined period of time and are concurrently used for producing directional signals.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a switch associated with the circuits used for energizing a plurality of lamps so that when the switching means are in normal ineiective position vthe lamps produce stop and tail-light or other warning signals and. when the switch is moved to operative position the lamps are energized to produce direction signals, rendering said stop and tail-light or other warning circuits ineffective. y

Another object of the invention is the provision of a switching device for controlling a signallng system having means incorporated therein for causing the energization of the signals intermittently for a .predetermined period of time, thus serving to indicate directional movements of a vehicle.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a switch having means-to produce a periodic energization or ilashing action for a predetermined period and the switch being provided with a removable element to render said ashing means ineffective.

a switch including means for visually and audibly indicating to the operator or driver oi' a vehicle the proper operation of the system when direction signals are Ibeing produced.

A further object of the invention is to provide a compact switching means for controlling a directional signaling system operated by a single lever avoiding confusion to the vehicle driver in selecting the proper directional signal.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the related elements of the structure, to various details of construction and to combinations of parts, elements per se,'and to economies of manufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration of the specication and drawing-s of a form of the invention, which may be preferred, in which:

Figure l is a side view of an automobile with a part brokenaway to show the application of the deviceof the invention;

Figure 2 is a-rear view of an automobile using a pair of stop and tail-light signaling devices with which the invention has particular utility;

Figure 3 is a rear view of another form of direction signal devices with which the invention maybe incorporated;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing an Vautomobile equipped with still another form of direction signal apparatus with which the nl vention may be incorporated;

Another object of the invention is to incorporate a switch having a delayed action subsequent toits actuation with the circuits normally used for energizing a plurality of lamps to produce stop and tail-light signals so that when the switch is actuated thelamps are so controlled as to Figure 5 is a fragmentary view of the steer- .ing wheel 'and steering column ofl an automotive 'vehicle with the switch of the invention sup- 2;. ported thereby;

Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the switch shown in Figure 5 with a portion of the back platebroken away to-show the interior details;

Figure 7 is a sectional `view taken substantially on the line 1-1 ofFigure 6;-

Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of an element constituting a part of the switch shown in Figure 6;

Figure 9 is an enlarged detail view showing the relative position of the circuit connecting means shown in Figure 7 when the element shown in Figure 8 has been removed;

Figure 10 is a. fragmentary bottom plan view showing the position of the switching means when moved to produce direction signals;

Figure l1 is a top plan view of the switch'A shown in Figurev 5 with the casing being broken away to show the interior details;

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken substantlaliy on the line i2-I2 of Figure 6 looking in the direction of the arrows Figure i3 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the circuit connections of one form of the invention showing s bottom plan view of theswitching 5 means;

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic view illustratins the circuit connections of another form of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in Figures l and 2,

an automotive vehicle i8 using a usual signaling system including two stop and tail-light indicatlng devices I2 and I4 is illustrated. The indicating devices I2 and i4 are secured to the left and right rear fenders I3 and I1 respectively 15 looking in the rear of the vehicle. and each device includes the light sources Il and 26 preferably of different intensities to produce warning signals of diii'erent character. On terminal of each of the light sources is preferably grounded and the other is connected by suitable conductors to a source of current such as a storage battery B which also has one of its terminals preferably grounded to the frame of the automobile. The

' light source I8 which serves to produce a tail 25 light signal is controlled by means of the-lighting switch 22.

The circuits for the energization of the light source 23 which serves to produce warning signals as well as direction signals are controlled by normally open switches 23 and 26 actuated by the operation of the brake pedal 26 and the vehicle gear shifting level 23 respectively. In addition, the circuits for energizing the light sources 26 and I3 are also controlled by the switching means 35 of the invention preferably carried by the steering wheel column 3| located in convenient proximity to the steering wheel 32 so that the switching means of the invention can be actuated by the driver without removing the hand from the steering wheel.

The switching means of the invention including a clock mechanism used to produce a flashing and time delay action is enclosed by a casing 30. The casing 36 is mounted for vertical and i5 lateral adjustment on steering wheel column 3l by means of bracket 33 and clamp 34 for the purpose of localizing it near the steering wheel 32. The bracket 33 is of channel shaped coniiguration serving to cover a portion of the conductors which connect the switching mechanism with the source of current and light sources.

'I'he casing 30 is preferably made of `insulating material, such as a phenolic condensation product or the like open at its back and comprises a narrow conduit portion terminating into a chamber 36 of hexagonal configuration. 'This chamber is of suitable dimensions for receiving and supporting a removable unitary 4assembly including the circuit controlling means and clock a0 mechanism associated therewith.

This unitary assembly is carried by at plates 4l and 4i of conducting material spaced apart and held in fixed relation by posts 42 and a removable plate 43 of insulating material is spaced 65 rectangular form as particularly shown in Figure 11. The clock mechanism and flashing means of the invention are supported between plates 40 and 4I, while the various elements of the switch proper are mounted on plates 4I and 43. The

therewith a switch blade 44 made of current conducting material having a portion extending through an opening formed in the wall of casing 38 terminating into an insulating portion or manipulating handle 46. As shown in Figures 6 and l0 the switch blade 44 is pivotally mounted on a pin 48 nxed toplate 4I and is formed with a reduced end portion 41. contacting section 4l and a camming portion 48 adjacent to the pivotal point. The contacting section 43 is adapted to engage either oi' the relative stationary spring contact members I3 and 3i insulatingly mounted and supported by plate 4I, and section 48 is of a width that it can not be simultaneously placed in engagement with both contact members 3l and 6i, and thereforelthe switch arm can take the central neutral position shown in Figure 6 or moved by handle 43 to the right or left to the positions as illustrated in Figure 10 for establishing predetermined circuits with either contacts as will hereinafter appear.

As particularly shown in Figure 6, the stationary contacts i8 and Il are formed with integral projections or bus bars l2 and I3 also insulated from conducting plate 4i. The bus bars 62 and 63 are adapted to engage the base terminals of a light source or light bulb 66 acting as a tell-tale device removably carried by projection 33 of casing 3l. The light bulb 65 as particularly shown in Figures 11 and 12, is enclosed by a removable translucent cover 61' of suitable material which protects the light bulb from damage and is preferably of a color to project a suitable colored light to give when the light source is energized a detlnite tell-tale indication to the driver.

'I'he ilat plate 43 of insulating material (see Figure 10) carries on its inner face and in close proximity thereto a movable conducting blade 51 pivotally mounted as at 58 and provided with an opening or slot 60 adapted to receive a pin 62 of insulating material secured to switch blade 44 acting as connecting means therebetween. The blade 51 is formed with a raised portion 83 adapted to be simultaneously engaged by contacting ilngers 66 and 63 projecting through a slot 68 formed on plate 43. Fingers 65 and 36 form integral parts of arms 68 and 10 carried on the outer face of plate 43, and are secured thereto by means of rivets 1i and 12 which also serve to connect these arms to each of the conducting plates 13 and 14 carried on the inner surface of ilat plate 43. The switch blade 51 is connected to a plate 13 also carried on the inner face of plate 43. The ends of each of the conducting plates 13, 14 and 13 are formed with suitable openings coinciding with spaced openings iormed in the insulating plate 43.

The openings formed in the conducting plates 13, 14, 16 coinciding with openings formed in insulating plate 43 as well as opening 8| formed on the latter are adapted to accommodate the reduced ends of metallic posts 11, 18, 18 and insulatingly carried by plate 4i which are formed with suitable shoulders for locating the plate 43 in spaced relation to plate 4I. The plate 43 is removably held in position by means of screws 83, 84, and 36, which are received in threaded openings formed on the end of each post. 'I'he screws 83 to 86, inclusive, serve as circuit terminals and means for securing conductors to the diiferent elements of the switching mechanism. The screw 83 on post 11 serves as a connecting terminal for contact 50, the bus plate 4I' pivotally supports in direct contact 75 bar 62 and linger 65 through plate 13 and arm erative.

89. Theiscrew 84 acts as a terminal .for establishing. a connection to contact bus bar 83 and finger 88 through plate 14 and arm 18. The screw serves as a terminal to establish a connection to movable blade member 81 through plate 1l contacting therewith. The screw 85 serves as means for establishing a circuit through post 18 to a spring contact 88 forming part of the flashing' mechanism insulatingly 4mounted `on the inner f ace ofplate 4| as shown in Figure 12. The screw 85 serves to 'removably support on the outer face of plate 43 a conducting arm 89 provided with a depending member or contact piece 90 passing through openings formed on plates 43 and 4| preventing any contacting engagement with conducting plate 4| as particularly shown in Figure 7. The contact piece '30 is adapted to engage and flex conducting spring 9| forming a component part of a fuse receiving clamp 93 which serves with a spaced clamp 94 to removably hold in position a suit- .able fuse 92, provided with a terminal 95 to -circuits controlled by the switch blades 44 and 51 and also the initiation of the timing train' which serves to cause-al flashing action of thel circuit and determines the period of time during which the circuits are operative or inopscribed in detail in our-.co-pending application Serial No. 125,712, led 'February l5, 1937, now Patent No. 2,230,994 withthis application and therefore for the purpose of describing the present 'invention only the essential v,parts are illustrated and described.

The apparatus Vthus far 'described con.

engaging the projection H9 forming an integral by the unwinding action of the spring ||8 is' timed by the action of the fiutter wheel which As shown in Figure 6 plate 14| isformed 4.with

curved slots |02 and |03 to'permit thel oscillatory movement of the projections '|04 and |05 vwhich extend therethrough and are adaptedfto beengaged by theoppositeiside walls of portions 41 and 48 of movable Aswitch arm 44 for fthe purpose of Awinding the 'clock mechanism when the handle 4.6 is movedand for returning automatically the switch arm -44 to central position after a predetermined time hasl elapsed.

As shown in Figures 12 and 6 the projections switch trip bar |08 the same being iixedly carried by the rotatable. 'shaft |01, which -is journalled betweenplated 40 and 4|. Fixedly sel cured to shaft |01 for rotation therewith is clutch disc ||0 and spring tensioning disk III. Between disks ||0 and is loosely mounted on shaft |01 for rotation relative thereto a bushing ||2 and main gear ||3 the latter being of usual construction and formed with suitable means to be engaged by the clutch disk |I0 forming a one way driving clutch between clutch disk ||0 and main gear II3, the driving connection being present when the clutch disk I I0 is moved under 4the tension of a coil spring I I8 located around member |01 between frame plate 40 and tension- .ing disklll. The coil spring ||8 has lone end |04 and |05 form an integral part of a control part of disk and its other end retained by one of the -struck-up'projections or ears |20 formed on plate 40. Plate 40 as particularly shown in -Figure 11. ls'formed with a plurality of struck-up projections or ears |20 for the purpose of providing means to adjust the tension of spring ||8. v

As particularly shown in Figures 11 and 12, a geartrain and an escapement mechanism associated with the main gear ||3 for the purpose of permitting the energy produced by the tensioning of spring ||8 to expend itself at a predetermined rate of speed as well as serving the circuit flashing means, consists of the pinion |22 in mesh with gear ||3 and mounted on shaft |23 which also carries a larger gear I 24 and a flash wheel |28, the latter having teeth or contacting projecting surfaces |28 which when rotated are adapted to be engaged by the spring contact 88 to produce a flashing action.

The gear |24 is in mesh with a pinion |34 mounted on a shaft |35 which also carries a gear I 38. The gear |38 is in engagement with a pinion |31 mounted on a shaft |38, which also carries a toothed wheel |39. A flutter wheel |40 provided with pins |4| and |4I adapted to engage alternately the teeth of the wheel |39 is mounted on a balance shaft |42 pivoted on adjustable vbearings mounted on plates 40 and 4|. The movement of the gear train which is caused oscillates by the rotative action imparted on the pins I 4| and |4I' by teeth of wheel |39, allowing with each oscillation the passage of one tooth of the wheel |39 to cause its timed intermittent motion; the arrangement notonly serving as escapement mechanism butalso producing a d istinct audible sound or buzzing action for the purpose of indicating that the gear .train is in operation. The projection or lug |-|9 o f the spring tension disc as'shown in Figure 12 serves as a -stop means for the gear --train lwhen the -switch blade 44 is in .central position by engaging-a projectlon |'28 of Vthe flash wheel |26. However, when themanipulatinglever 46 is moved to the right or left l winding up spring |-|8, the spring 'tension'disc' .I I is rotated moving the lug I9 out of v engagement with' the projection l.|28 permitting the rotation ofthe gear .train for a predetermined time until the lug .I I9 vonce more en- '-.gagesone of the. projections v|28 of the flash `in Figure `1 are particularly illustrated diagrammatically in wFigure 13 wherein a bottom plan view ofthe switching means is shown, the signaling systems including the use of the devices to produce stop and tail-light warning signals,

' where it can vb'e'seen that the storage battery B stop signal which are connected -to' switch trminal 83 are connected through conductor |45v to a terminal of the ,light vsource 20 carried by signaling device |2 located on the left side of the vehicle. 'I'he light source 20 had its other terminal grounded as at |45 forming a ground return to the battery B. Considering thecircuit for the right side signaling device, the stationary switch contact 5|, bus bar 55 for the other telltale base terminal as well as contacting finger 55 for the stop signal which are connected to switch terminal 55 are connected by conductors |45 to a terminal of the light source 25 carried by signaling device I4 located on the right side or the vehicle. this light source having its other terminal grounded at |45. .The switch blade 51 mounted on the insulating plate 45 connected by plate 15 to switch terminals 54 is connected by means of a lead |55 to the stationary contact |5| of stop switch 25. The stop switch terminal |52 is connected to the switchrblade |55 adapted to engage the stationary contact |5| by the movement of the brake pedal 25 to brake applying position. The stop switch terminal |52 is connected by lead |55 to the conductor 95 which in turn is connected to the live terminal of storage battery B.

Connected to the stop switch terminal |52 and stationary contact |5| are the terminals |51 and |55 of the back-up switch 25 which are adapted to be bridged by contacting member |50 when the gear shift lever 28 is moved to a position in which a rearward motion is imparted to the vehicle. 'Ihe light sources I8 located in signaling devices I2 and i4 serving as tail-light, warning signal and license plate light are grounded as at |52 and are connected by means of leads |53 and |55 to lighting switch terminal |55 while lighting switch blade |51 is connected by lead |68 to a conducting arm carried on the outer face of insulating plate 43 and having a portion passing through the plate slot |13 terminating into a contacting finger |15 adapted to contact with projection 41 of switch blade 44 when the same is in its central position. Suitably spaced from ilnger |15 is a finger |15 contacting with projection 41 of switch blade 44. The contacting ilnger |15 forms part of conducting arm |18 supported on thevouterl face of plate 43 the arm |18 having a portion passing through slot |13. The conducting arm |18 is connected by lead |80 to conductor 95 and hence to the live terminal of the battery.

'I'he operation of a form of the invention constituting the signaling system hereinbefore described can be summarized as follows: If the driver of the vehicle desires to make a left hand turn it will only be required to move the switch operating handle 45 to the left so that the switch lever is moved in the same direction as the proi posed vehicle turn and will be located on the position identied by the Words Left appearing on the top face of the switch casing 35. It should be noted that Figure 13 shows the switching means in upside down position and therefore the direction of movement there indicated appears opposite to the actual movement of the lever in use.

When the switch handle 45 is moved to lef position as shown in Figure 10 the switch blade 44 is moved into engagement with stationary contact 50 and the movable blade- 51 is rotated by the movement of blade 44 to a position where the same is out of contacting engagement with iingers 55 and 55 preventing the flow of current to both light sources 20 that can be normally established by closing stop switch 23 caused by the movement of the brake pedal 25 to brake applying position. In addition the movement of switch blade 44 to the position shown in Figure 10 winds up the main spring ||5 by moving the projection |54 of the trip bar |55 rotating thereby shaft |51 and clutch disc |`|5 independent of gear ||5 and concurrently moving the lug ||5 oi the spring disc out of engagement with the teeth |25 on the flash wheel |25. When this movement is completed the gear train will start its rotation due to the force stored by the winding up oi spring I|5 as the clutch disc ||5 will drive the main gear H5, rotating the dashing gear |25 and causing teeth |25 to engage the spring contact 55. The contacting engagement of spring 55 with flash wheel teeth |25 provides a circuit for the ow of current to the light source 25 in device i2. This circuit comprises flash wheel teeth |25, switch plate '4I, switch blade 44 in electric contact with plate 4| and in engagement with stationary contact 55 which is connected through switch terminal 52 by means of conductor |45 to light source 20 oi the leit signaling device i2.

The rotation oi flash wheel |25 by the gear train produced by the unwinding action oi spring ||5 will close and open the circuit to the leit light source 25 on device I2 by the periodic engagement of ash wheel teeth or contacting projections |28 with spring. contact 55 causing the intermittent energization of the light source 25 of the left signaling device |2 producing light ilashes of very short duration attracting the attention of observers giving a warning that the driver is intending to impart a left hand turn to the vehicle. This ilashing action will be present for a predetermined period thus giving a warning signal before and during the time required to efiect the turning of the vehicle.

It is important to note that when the switch is in the left signaling position and during the periods of time that stationary springcontact of the flashing means which is directly connected to the battery, is in engagement with any of the ilashwheel contacts |25 producing the momentary energization oi the light source 25 of device 'i2 forming the lett directional signal, the tell-tale 55 is also energized by a branch parallel circuit established and controlled by switch blade 44. This branch parallel circuit includes the switch blade contacting section 45 in engagement with contact 55 and by means of the bus bar 52 to the terminal oi tell-tale 55 in engagement therewith and from the other tell-tale light terminal by means of bus bar 55 to terminal 85 connected by conductor |45 to light source 25 of the opposite or right signaling device |4 which is grounded at |45 providing a return to battery B.

From the foregoing it can be seen that when this branch parallel circuit is established while a left directional signal is being produced the light filament of the tell-tale device 55 and the lament of the light source 25 located in the oppcsite orv right hand positioned signaling device 4 are connected in series. However due to the total resistance of the branch parallelcircuit the current flowing is only suilicient to energize the teli-tale 55 and not the light source 2 5 connected in series therewith. 'I'he energization oi' the tell-tale 55 will produce light flashes indicating to the driver that a direction signal is being produced.

In this embodiment of the invention, in order to produce a direction signal very reliable for day or night operation eliminating the possibility that drivers cannot clearly distinguish the light iiashes caused by the energization of light sources 20 when direction signals are produced, the energization of the tail-lights |8 is not solely effected by the closing of lighting switch blade 61 but it is also controlled by the switch blade 44. The control is such that when the blade 44 is moved to produce direction signals, the circuit for the flow of current to the tail-light switch blade |61 is open. 'I'his is caused by movingthe end portion 41 of switch blade 44 from contacting engagement with spaced ngers |15 and |16. However, this circuit control for the tail-light signals is normally closed when thev switch blade 44 is in its Vcentral position as the end portion 41 engages both contacting fingers |15 and |16 whereby the closing of switchV blade |61 fully controls the light sources I8V to produce taillight signals. Moreover the switch blade 44 serves to re-establish the energlzation of the light sources |8 whenever the same are energized prior to the production of direction signals particularly at night when the switch blade |61 is inv closed position.

The unwindingaction of spring ||8 causes the switch blades 44`and 51 to be slowly moved back toward their central'position by the rotation of lprojection |04 of trip bar |06 which is in contact with. the end portion 41 of the switch blade 44,"

and will cause, iirst: to interrupt the contacting engagement of switch blade contacting portion a renderingeifective `tl'ie stop switch control forV light` sources-20, and third: to move the switch blade 44 to its central position causing the bridging engagement of contacting fingers |15 and |16 with the switchend'portion 41 to render effective the controly of light sources |'8 by taillight switch blade |61, and simultaneously causing the engagement of projection ||9 with a tooth |28 of wheel |26 to stop the gear train whereby the switch blade 44 and associated parts are placed in the position shownl in Figure 6. In the embodiment shown, the return action to central position of blade 44 tobreak the circuit established for energizing the left light source is timed through the gear train and escapement mechanism to require a period of approximately 15 seconds, a period long enough to complete the average turn, and during this length of time the left hand positioned light source 20 is intermittently flashed by the periodic engagement of teeth |28 of ashing wheel |26 with spring contact 88.

When engagement between projection ||9 and teeth |28 takes place, the spring contact 88 is out of engagement with any of the flashing wheel teeth |28, so that when the switch blade 44 is in a central position no current is passing to the light sources 20 or tell-tale 55 through the ash wheel |26.

Heretofore we have been describing the operation in connection with a left hand turn. The operation in connection with a right hand turn will now be described. If the driver of the vehicle desires to indicate his intention to make a right hand turn the switch handle 46 is moved to the.

position identified in the switch casing by the the tailvlight'sources |8 by the tail-light switch,

blade |61 ineiective; and in addition this movement serve to rotate the switch blade 61 moving it from contacting'engagement with iingers 65 and 61 rendering the control o! the lightsources 20 by the stop and back-up switches ineffective.

After the movement of the. switch blade 44 to the right iscompleted the torque action of spring ||8 is transmitted to the gear ||3 to start the rotation of the gear train wherebyithe flash wheel teeth |28 are moved into engagement with spring contact 88 causing the light source 20 located on the right signaling device` 4 to produce lighting ilashes of .very short duration warning that a right hand turn 'is going to be imparted to the vehicle, The lenergizing circuit to the light source 20 in thej right hand device' |4 includesthe flashwheel teeth |278 through s witchplate 4| to switch. blade'44 in contacting engagement with stationarycontact 50 'connected' to s witchtermif nali 86 'and through conductor |48 to'I the light hand'light source 20 is energized the tell-tale 55 the right hand light source. This parallelbranch circuit includes the switch blade contacting Asection. 4,9 in engagement with stationary contact 5| through bus bar 53 to the terminal of tell-tale 55 in engagement therewith and from the .other terminal of the tell-tale by means of bus bar 52 to terminal 83 connected by conductor |45 to the light source20 o1' the'opposite or leftsignaling device |4. Due to the fact that light sources 20 and 55 areconnected in series the current owing L in this branch parallel circuit is only suflicient to energize the tell-tale 55 to produce intermittent flashes.

l The unwinding action of spring ||8'.will cause the switch blades 44 and 51 to. be slowlymoved back to their-respective central positions; this movement beingv caused by the engagement of trip bar projection |05 with portion 48 of the switch blade 44. 'I'his movement will serveto open. the circuit established for the energization of the light source 20 located in the right hand signaling device |4 and to stop the gear train-by moving projection ||9 into engagement with a tooth |28 of the flash wheel |26. When the gear train is stopped the projection 41 will be placed in engagement with fingers |15 and |16 rendering the control of tail-light sources I8 by the switch blade |61 effective. In addition, the projection 63 of the switch blade 51 will be in engagement with` contacting ngers 65 and 66 rendering the control for both of the lightsources 20 by the stop and back-up switches eiective. It is important to note that this form of the invention includes means giving audible and visual indications during the period of time that the signaling system operates to give direction signals so that the driver is aware that a direction signal is produced while turning the vehicle and should these indications cease before the turning operation is completed it will only be necessary to move again the switch handle 48 to the proper position. In addition, the switch blade 44 is so connected with trip bar |88 that the switch blade can be moved instantly to the right or left positions changing immediately. the energization of either the right or left light sources 28 without interfering with the time element required to move the switch blade 44 to its central or circuit open position.

In Figure 3 we have illustrated a modification in which the switch means of the .invention including the clock mechanism used to produce the flashing and time delay action hereinbefore described can be eiectively used to control the actuation of direction signaling devices of the type shown in Figure 3 which consists of a right-tum indicating arrow |88 and a left-turn indicating arrow |82 which are illuminated by independent light sources to produce a visual indication when a right hand turn or a left hand turn is going to be imparted to the vehicle. When this type' of directional signals is used in association with the switching means of the invention, it is only necessary to connect terminal 83 of the switching device to the light source associated with the left `hand indicating arrow and the switch terminal 88 to the light source associated with the right hand indicating arrow and connecting the live 'terminal of the storage battery to the fuse terminal 85, no other connection being established with the remaining terminals of the switch device as in-this case it is not necessary to modify in any way the energization of the stop and taillight signals. It can be seen that movement of the switch manipulating hand 48 to right or left will serve to energize and cause the hashing of the light sources to indicate that the desired turn is going to be imparted to the vehicle', the gear train in this case automatically returning the switch blade 44 to the normal central position interrupting the energization of the light source, the ilashing means functioning during the period of connection to produce ashes of short duration-in the circuit of the light source energized by the actuation of the switch blade, and at the same time causing the energizing tell-tale 58 to produce light flashes indicating the operation of the direction signals.

The switching means of the invention including the clock mechanism as hereinbefore pointed out is provided with removable means for rendering the ilashing action ineffective for the purpose of adapting the switch means to control directional signals of the type wherein the iiashing action of the switching means is not desirable. Such an arrangement is shown in Figures 4 and 14.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 4 illustrates the signaling device |84 located in the right hand fender of an automobile of the type with which' the flashing action of the switching means is not desirable. 'I'he signaling device illustrated consists/,generally of arrows |88 and |81 moved to dierent positions by electric responsive means or other operative means electrically controlled. 'I'he arrow |88 is adapted to be rotated counterclockwise for the purpose of indicating a right hand turn as particularly shown in Figure 4, and the arrow |81 adapted to be moved clockwise to indicate a left hand turn as particularly shown in dotted lines in Figure 14. Associated with arrows |88 and |81 are suitable light sources having one terminal usually grounded. The light sources are adapted to be simultaneously energized when the arrows are movedl to direction indicating positions for the purpose of enhancing the visibility oi the signaL The ashing means may be eliminated as will be noted by examination of Figures 7 and 9 where it will be seen that when the conducting arm 88 is removed from the switch mechanism the spring element 8| normally iiexed and in contact with depending member 88 moves automatically to the position shown' in Figure 9 wherein the spring element 8| engages the conducting plate 4| of the switch member establishing a direct circuit connection from terminal 88 through fuse 82 to plate. 4| in direct contact with the switch blade 44. 'I'he contacting engagement of spring 8| with plate 4| disconnects the spring contact 88 from the switch terminal 88 so that its contacting engagement with the iiash wheel teeth |28 does not aect in any way the ow of current to switch blade 44. Thus the dashing action of the switching mechanism is placed out of commission by the removal of member 88 which can be accomplished by removing the screw 18 which serves to hold the arm 88 in position.

Figure 14 shows the eiiective circuits that can be established by the movement of the switch blade 44 when the spring 8| is in direct engagement with conducting plate 4|. The wiring diagram of connections here illustrated includes a storage battery having one terminal grounded as at |88 and having its other terminal connected by lead |82 to the fuse contact 88 which as hereinbefore explained through fuse 82 and spring element 8| connects'the switch blade 44 through plate 4| with the fuse terminal 85. As herein illustrated, the terminal 88 of the switching means of the invention is connected by means of lead |88 to the arrows |88 adapted to indicate when energized a right hand turn of the vehicle. the contact 83 in this instance being connected through lead |84 to the arrows |81 which are adapted to indicate a left hand turn when the same are energized. It can be seen that movement of the switch blade 44 to the left will establish a vcircuit connection to the operative means that serve to actuate the arrows |81 whereby the same are moved to the position illustrated in dotted lines in Figure 14 and simultaneously will cause the energization of the light sources associated therewith.

In this embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 14, the actuation of the switch manipulating handle 48 to the left imparted by the driver to give a signal indicating that a left hand turn is going to be imparted to the vehicle will wind the spring ||8 and start the gear train to provide the time period during when the left direction signal is in operation before the switch blade is moved automatically to central position. In addition, the engagement of the movement of the switch blade to the left position will cause the energization of the tell-tale 85 by establishing a circuit wherein the tell-tale 58 is in a series connection with the operative means of the arrows |88. The iiow of current in this series circuit is such that it is only suiilcient to energize the tell-tale 58 but ineffective to cause the movement of the arrows |88, thus the tell-tale 88 is energized during the period of time that the switch means are in operation, thereby providing means to advise the driver that a direction signal is being produced.

In this embodiment it should be understood that movement of the switch handle 48 to the right position by the driver to indicate a right hand turn will produce the energization of the right turn indicating arrows |86, and the simultaneous energization of the tell-tale 55, providing byl the actuation of thev gear train a suicient time to eiect the turning of the vehicle prior to the interruption of the ilow of current'to the arrows |86, by the returning of `switch blade 44 to central position. It should be noted that the gear train associated with the switch blade 44 is not affected in any way by the removal of the conducting arm 89 and that the same only changes the effective connections to the flashing means of the invention.

It is apparent that, within the scopev oi'l the invention, modifications and diierent arrange-1 ments may be made other than is herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variationsA thereof particularly wherein the illuminated direction signal is visually eilective independently of other warning signals.

What we claim is: 1. A combination direction and stop signaling system for automotive vehicles, a pair of spaced lights locatedat one-end of a vehicle respectively 'positioned at eachvside of the central vertical'l r plane of the: vehicle for giving vehiclevdirection and--stopsignals; connections between -each of s 'aid' lights -and a source of electrical energy;

of the vehicle, said means including electrically- 7 signal lamps to produce a tail light signal; a mechanismset into actuation by the manual movement of thecircuit closer for intermittently energizing a single filament ofa single signal lamp to indicate a vehicle turn; means operable by said mechanism for returning the said circuit closer after a predetermined period of time to its neutral position; and. contacting means engageable with the circuit closer for rendering the` energization of the filaments by said switches ineffective when said circuit closer` is moved to either of its Voperative positions.

3. AV combination direction Vand warning signaling system for motor vehicles; a plurality of spaced illuminating means located' at one end energizable filaments for giving a ashing vehicle directional signal and a vsteady warning signal; connections between each of said laments and a source of electrical energy; switching means for said connections including a selector contacting element having a neutral position and manually movable to operative circuit closing positions for selectively establishingl a circuit connection for energizing one of -the iilaments to indicate direction of th'e vehicle turn; means including ayperiodic circuit interrupter operableA in response to the'setting of said; selector element in any of the operative positions thereof switching means for said connections including a' selectorcontacting element having a central position andpmovabl'e to vopposite operative posi- 'tions for selectively establishing a circuit through said connections from the source of electrical energy: to each of said lights; a mechanism including a periodiccircuit interrupter rendered operable by the manual movement of said selector element from its central to one of said operative positions for fluctuating the current ilow through the selectively connected light to flash the same intermittently to thereby indicate a vehicle turn signal; means engageable with the selector ccntacting element actuated by said mechanism for returning said selector contacting element from -its operative to its central position and for maintaining said selector contacting element in said operative position for a predetermined number of iiashes of light; additional circuit closing means intercalated with said connections for establishing simultaneously a continuous nowof current to both of said lights when said selector element is in its central position indicating thereby a stop signal, the circuit closing means being so arranged that when said selector contacting element is in any of its operative positions the continuous flow of currentto said lights is rendered ineiective.

2. In a signal circuit organization for vehicles including a. normally open switch; a second switch normally open; a circuit closer manually movable from a neutral position to two operative positions; a pair of signallamps mounted on the rear on the opposite sides of the center of the vehicle eachrhaving a pair of energizable laments; current conducting means including the circuit closer in its neutral position whereby the closing of said rst mentioned normally open switch simultaneously and constantly energizes one of the laments in both signal lamps frol'n a current source to produce a stop signal; current conducting means including the circuit closer in its neutral position whereby closing of the second normally open switch simultaneously and constantly energizes the second lament in both for fluctuating the current ow through-the selectivelyconnected filament to iiash thesame intermittently to thereby indicate a, turn signal;

1 means cooperating with the switching means for temporarily maintaining said elementin circuit closing position and forY automatically `returning said selector contacting element from an operative to its neutralposition to open-the -circuit vestablished by said selector contactingl element after the turning of the vehicle has been effected; additional switching means for permitting the establishment'of a steady ow of current to a lament, said switching means being movable to a closed circuit positionto permit the indication of a warning' signal; each of said filaments in said illuminating means and said circuit establishing means being so arranged that when said selector contacting element is in any one of its operative positions an illuminated ilashing directional signal is visually effective independently of the position of said additional switching means.

4. In a signal. circuit for motor vehicles; a plurality of spaced electrically energizable filaments including spaced flashable laments located at one end of the vehicle; connections between each of said filaments and a source of electrical energy; switching means including signal selector means having a neutral position and manually movable to operative circuit closing positions for selectively establishing a. circuit connection for energizing one of the filaments to indicate direction of the vehicle turn; a periodic circuit interrupter operable in response to the settingv of said selector` means in any of the operative positions thereof for fluctuating the current ilow through the selectviely connected filament to iiash the same intermittently'to thereby indicate a turn signal; means cooperating with' the switching means for temporarily maintaining said selector means in circuit closing position and for automatically returning said selector means from an operative to its neutral position ilashable iilament when said selector means is in its neutral position indicating thereby a warning signal; each of said laments in said illuminating means and said circuit establishing means being so arranged that when said selector means is in any one yoi its operative positions an illuminated ashable directional signal iilament is visually eilective independently oi the position of said additional circuit closing means.

5. A combination direction and warning signaling system for motor vehicles; a plurality of spaced illuminating means located at one end of the vehicle. said means including electrically energizable nlaments for giving a dashing vehicle directional signal and a steady warning signal; connections between each of said filaments and a source oi electrical energy; switching means for said connections including a selector contacting element having a neutral position and manually movable to operative circuit closing positions for selectively establishing a circuit connection for energizing one o! the filaments to indicate direction of the-vehicle turn; means including a periodic circuit interrupter operable in response to the setting of said selector element in any of the operative positions thereof for iluctuating the current ilow through' the selectively connected illament to ilash the same intermittently to thereby indicatea turn signal; means cooperating with the switching means for temporarily maintaining said element in circuit closing position and for automatically returning said selector contacting element from an operative to its neutral position to open the circuit established by said selector contacting element after the turning of the vehicle has been eiiected; additional circuit closing means for establishing a steady ilow of current to a plurality of filaments when said selector element is in its neutral position indicating th'ereby a warning signal; each of said iilaments in said illuminating means and said circuit establishing means being so arranged that when said selector contacting element is in any one of its operative positions an illuminated ashing directional signal is visually eiiective independently oi the position of said additional circuit closing means;'te1l tale means and connections therefor; said telltale means and connections being so arranged with said filaments and periodic circuit interrupter that said tell-tale means gives a flashing indication only when said selector contacting element is in any one of its operative positions upon the production oi vehicle direction ilashing 51811848.

6. In a signal circuit for motor vehicles; a plurality of spaced electrically energizable filaments including spaced tiashable iilaments located at one end oi the vehicle; connections between each oi said filaments and a source oi electrical energy; switching means including a signal selector means having a neutral position and manually movable to operative circuit closing positions for selectively establishing a circuit connection for energizing one of the'fllaments to indicate direction oi the vehicle turn; a periodic circuit interrupter operable in response to the setting of said selector means in any of the operative positions thereof for nuctuating the current ilow through the selectively connected illament to iiash the same intermittently to thereby indicate a turn signal; means cooperating with the switching means for temporarily maintaining said selector means in circuit closing position and for automatically returning said selector means from an operative to its neutral position to open the circuit established by said selector means after the turning of the vehicle has been enected; additional circuit closing means for establishing a steady now oi current to a non-flashable filament when said selector means is in its neutral position indicating thereby a. warning signal; each of said illamentsin said illuminating means and said circuit establishing means being so arranged that when said selector means is in any one of its operative positionsan illuminated flashable directional signal lament is visually efiective independently of th'e position of said additional circuit closing means; tell-tale means and connections therefor controlled by said signal selector means; said tell-tale means rendered eiIective for operation only when said signal selector means is in one of its operative circuit closing positions whereby the production of direction flashing signals renders said tell-tale means operative.

SAMUEL F. .ARBUCKLE GUY H. COULTER. CHARLES E. GODLEY, 

